JURY TRIAL: THE INFLUENCE OF MEDIA ON JURORS' IMPARTIALITY IN HIGH-PROFILE CASES AND THE RELATIVIZATION OF THE ACCUSED'S PRESUMPTION OF INNOCENCE

Abstract

This article aimed to discuss the influence of the media on decisions made by jury trials in cases that generated significant media attention, as well as on the formation of jurors' convictions and the consequent relativization of the principle of presumption of innocence, coupled with the jurors' lack of technical legal knowledge. The study showed that the media influenced intentional crimes against life, resulting in information full of value judgments that influenced public opinion, and consequently, the relativization of the principle of presumption of innocence, the impartiality of jurors, and the decisions made in court. The functioning of the jury trial was discussed, from its history to the selection of jurors and the trial itself.